When an individual experiences low potassium levels, there are many symptoms that may occur that indicates that medical assistance is needed. Here, you will learn what the symptoms that may indicate low potassium levels are.

There are many symptoms that may indicate low potassium levels in the body. When an individual experiences drops in this important mineral in the body, medical professionals refer to the condition as “Hypokalemia”. Potassium has been proven to assist in many functions related to the body. It helps in the contraction process for muscles throughout the body, and the heart requires this substance for the proper regulation of blood pressure. There are many symptoms that may indicate low potassium levels in the body. When an individual experiences drops in this important mineral in the body, medical professionals refer to the condition as “Hypokalemia”. Potassium has been proven to assist in many functions related to the body. It helps in the contraction process for muscles throughout the body, and the heart requires this substance for the proper regulation of blood pressure. When an individual experiences low potassium levels, there are many symptoms that may occur that indicates that medical assistance is needed. Here, you will learn what the symptoms that may indicate low potassium levels are.

It is important to understand that low potassium level symptoms may involve several different areas of the body at once. Commonly, the symptoms affect the gastrointestinal tract as well as the kidneys. However, it has been found that the heart may be affected as well as the nerves that run throughout the body. Furthermore, the muscles are often affected as well. If you suffer from one or more of the symptoms listed below, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor, or visit an emergency room in order to receive treatment to increase potassium in the body:

Many experience cramping sensations in the muscles of the arms and/or the legs. The cramping is often quite severe and can result in a form of paralysis that makes it very difficult to move the limbs with ease. This is often accompanied with weakness that makes movements and other activities involving the limb that is affected difficult.

There are some individuals that will experience high levels of nausea when their potassium is low. This nausea may be accompanied by bouts of vomiting. For individuals that experience these symptoms, it is common for bloating in the abdominal area to be experienced. The muscles in the abdominal area may also begin to experience mild to severe cramping.

Constipation is a common symptom of low potassium.

Many will become quite thirsty as potassium levels in the body drop. This may cause an increase in urine output.

The blood pressure may rise drastically, or it may drop suddenly. If it drops, many will faint. If it increases, symptoms such as chest pain and headaches may occur. Many who have experienced this issue have noticed that their heart begins to beat in an unusual manner.

Psychological complications may also be experienced when potassium levels in the body drop. These complications may be as simple as depression or as serious as having hallucinations.

It is important to understand that low potassium levels are extremely detrimental to the body. If you have any of the symptoms that have been covered in this medical guide, you should seek medical care immediately. Certain testing procedures, such as blood work and an EKG can be used to determine if this is the medical issue that you are experiencing. If low potassium levels are identified, you will be issued treatments to increase the amount that is in your body.

It is important to understand that low potassium level symptoms may involve several different areas of the body at once. Commonly, the symptoms affect the gastrointestinal tract as well as the kidneys. However, it has been found that the heart may be affected as well as the nerves that run throughout the body. Furthermore, the muscles are often affected as well. If you suffer from one or more of the symptoms listed below, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor, or visit an emergency room in order to receive treatment to increase potassium in the body: